Clint Hendricks will ride in the colours of Team BCX for the first time when the six-stage Mpumalanga Tour starts on Saturday. And he’s ready to perform.
The 26-year-old rider said today he would like to go for a stage win if the opportunity presented itself.
“It will be difficult because we don’t know yet how everyone’s form is; it will be unpredictable.
“Fortunately it’s a tour, so one will know after day two or day three how the guys are doing,” Hendricks said.
Clint Hendricks will perform for Team BCX for the first time when the six-stage Mpumalanga Tour starts on Saturday. Photo: Supplied
From a team perspective, he aims to start the first race of the year on a positive note.
“It will be great if we can begin with good results. It will lift the morale and vibe in the team.”
Hendricks, who won last year’s Tour Durban, feels his form is improving but he believes he still has some work to do.
“My personal goal is still a few months away, when I hope to reach my peak. In terms of training and performance I’m on an upwards path.”
The Double Century champion said his role in his new team would be to be opportunistic during the 775km tour.
“When it comes down to sprints, it will be a case of who feels best on the day or at the time; Nolan (Hoffman) or I.
“If the route suits me and the opportunity arises, I will take a chance,” he said.
“It will be the first time that Chris Jooste takes the role of leader in terms of general classification. He has a full team to support him. I will try to help him get a good result and maybe win the tour.”
Looking at the opposition, Hendricks said Nico Bell of NAD Pro MTB could be the biggest factor. Bell is the SA XCM marathon champion.
“Nico knows all the roads around here. He is always good. He’s been on the podium a few times and you can never write him off.”
They would also look out for RoadCover’s Eddie van Heerden and the ProTouch riders, Hendricks added.
Overall, the new BCX rider said, they were confident that they would do well.
“If we can start on a good note it will give us momentum for later in the season. Ultimately, if everyone is happy the team is happy.”
The Mpumalanga Tour stages:
Stage 1 – Blyde River to Swadini
Stage 2 – Swadini to Mount Sheba
Stage 3 – Mount Sheba to Mbombela Stadium
Stage 4 – White River to Mbombela via Umjindi
Stage 5 – Mbombela Stadium to eManzana
Stage 6 – eManzana to finish at Loskopdam.
